Env't chief: possibly more import of electricity from mainland

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan says the electricity market will inevitably need to change in the future, including increasing mainland electricity supplied to 70% -- which he says -- will help tamp down local electricity rates in the long run.

The government, CLP and HK Electric's Scheme of Control Agreement on investment returns and the electricity market is due to expire in 2033. Tse expresses confidence that by 2035 or earlier, zero-carbon electricity imported from the mainland to Hong Kong will increase to 60 to 70%.

The government has proposed building a large power station in Area 132 of Tseung Kwan O with new cables to facilitate the import of electricity from the mainland to the Legislative Council.

The solid waste charging scheme -- which was originally slated for 2024 -- has been shelved for more than a year. Tse says the government will continue to promote recycling through incentives rather than relying on levies.